Collagen Forte Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking Collagen Forte against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Collagen Forte is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories with 4 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for cold sores (herpes labialis), genital herpes outbreaks, supporting protein and collagen formation.Based on those ingredients, 211 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Vitamin C, L-Threonine, L-Lysine Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories
Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
Collagen Forte contains 4 active ingredients. L-Lysine Hydrochloride and L-Proline are amino acids that make up collagen structure and support connective tissue.
L-Threonine is another amino acid involved in collagen formation. Vitamin C is essential for cross-linking collagen fibers, which gives collagen its strength.
The capsule also contains gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, and vegetable stearate as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Strong evidence
The evidence in our data is limited. Lysine is possibly effective for cold sores, though evidence for its other uses in this product—child growth, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers—is insufficient to rate.
Proline, threonine, and vitamin C do not have established effectiveness ratings for collagen support in our data; the evidence for their roles in athletic performance, bone health, wound healing, and spasticity is either insufficient or suggests ineffectiveness. Vitamin C is effective for preventing vitamin C deficiency and possibly effective for certain types of anemia and some other conditions, but those uses fall outside the collagen-support purpose of this product.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Lysine is generally well tolerated at typical doses but may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or indigestion in some people, and long-term safety at high doses isn't well studied. Proline has not been well studied in supplement form, though it's safe from food.
Vitamin C is generally safe at normal doses; at very high doses it can cause stomach cramps, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, kidney stones (especially in those prone to them), and rarely serious kidney damage. Threonine may cause headache or mild gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea.
Lysine supplement safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well studied—food sources are fine, but talk with your doctor before taking supplements. Proline and threonine supplements have not been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding; dietary amounts are normal, but avoid supplemental doses unless your doctor advises.
Vitamin C is considered possibly unsafe in pregnancy at high doses; normal prenatal amounts are fine, and talk with your doctor about high-dose use while breastfeeding.
Meds to double-check
Major interaction found
L-Threonine may reduce the effects of NMDA antagonists (medications for pain, seizures, or neurological conditions) — this is the most serious interaction documented. Vitamin C at the levels in this product may weaken blood thinners like warfarin, reduce the activity of certain cancer drugs (alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics), raise blood levels of estrogens (oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy), improve absorption of thyroid medication levothyroxine, and lower levels of the antipsychotic fluphenazine and the HIV medication indinavir.
L-Lysine may theoretically reduce effects of 5-HT4 agonists. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any of these drugs before taking Collagen Forte.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with strong clinical evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Collagen Forte may interest someone looking to support collagen and connective tissue with multiple amino acids and vitamin C. If you take NMDA antagonists, blood thinners like warfarin, cancer medications, thyroid drugs, antipsychotics, HIV medications, estrogen-based contraceptives or hormone therapy, or products containing aluminum, you need to check with your own doctor or pharmacist before starting this product.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a conversation with your healthcare provider about the supplement doses in this formula.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 4 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 23, 2020.
This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed
General information
Key facts about Collagen Forte, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Douglas Laboratories |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 310539020678 |
| Net contents | 300 Capsule(s) |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Oct 23, 2020 |
| DSLD ID | 237117 |
| Product type | Other Combinations |
| Supplement form | Capsule |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free |
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.
Supplement Facts
The label details for Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| L-Lysine Hydrochloride | 1000 mg | -- |
| L-Proline | 200 mg | -- |
| Vitamin C | 2000 mg | 2222% |
| L-Threonine | 25 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 5 capsules daily or as directed by your health professional.
Precautions
Warning: If you are pregnant, or nursing, or if you are taking prescription medication, consult your health professional before using this product.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Use only if safety seal is intact.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
Formulation
Gluten-free, Non-GMO
Support for collagen synthesis
FDA Disclaimer Statement
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
General Statements
Scan to learn about our manufacturing excellence Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories
These are the 4 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.
Serving size5 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.
L-Lysine Hydrochloride
Interacts with1 drug
Lysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to t...
L-Lysine Hydrochloride monograph & interactionsL-Proline
No knowninteractions
Proline is a non-essential amino acid that your body can make on its own and that you also get from protein-rich foods. It is a key building block of...
L-Proline monograph & interactionsVitamin C
Interacts with207 drugs
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for im...
Vitamin C monograph & interactionsL-Threonine
Interacts with3 drugs
Threonine is an essential amino acid your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. Most people get plenty from a norma...
L-Threonine monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Vegetable Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories contains ingredients with documented interactions affecting multiple medications.
L-Threonine carries the most serious concern — it theoretically reduces the effects of NMDA antagonists (drugs used for pain, seizures, and neurological conditions) because threonine raises levels of a brain chemical that enhances how these drugs work.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
Vitamin C in this product interacts with several drug types at Moderate severity. It can raise blood levels of estrogens (oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy), potentially increasing side effects.
High-dose vitamin C also may weaken blood thinners like warfarin, reduce how well certain cancer drugs (alkylating agents and antitumor antibiotics) work, increase absorption of aluminum from aluminum-containing products, lower levels of the antipsychotic fluphenazine, reduce the HIV medication indinavir, and improve absorption of the thyroid medication levothyroxine in ways that may require dose adjustment.
L-Lysine has one Minor interaction — it may theoretically reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists (medications for gastrointestinal motility). We could not check L-Proline for interactions; no data is on file for it.
Altogether, these interactions span 211 individual medications. Before you start Collagen Forte, check your exact medications with the search tool on this page, especially if you take any of the drug types mentioned above.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
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Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.
Go to the checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in Collagen Forte interact with 211 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
3 of the 4 ingredients in Collagen Forte interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Vitamin C L-Threonine L-Lysine Hydrochloride
Ethinyl Estradiol, NorethindroneAranelle, Brevicon, Brevicon .5/35 21 day, Brevicon .5/35 28 day, Brevicon 1/35 21 day, Brevicon 1/35 28 day +50 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone interactionEthinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous FumarateEstrostep Fe, Femcon FE, Junel Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe, Loestrin Fe 1.5/30, Loestrin Fe 1/20 +3 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous Fumarate interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norethindrone, Ferrous Fumarate interactionEthinyl Estradiol, NorgestimateCilest, Mononessa, Ortho Tri-Cyclen 28, Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo, Ortho Tri-Cylcen, Ortho-Cyclen +5 more
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestimate interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestimate interactionEthinyl Estradiol, NorgestrelCryselle, Lo/Ovral, Low-Ogestrel, Ogestrel 0.5/50, Ovral
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestrel interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Norgestrel interactionEthinyl Estradiol, LevonogestrelLybrel
How Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonogestrel interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ethinyl Estradiol, Levonogestrel interactionEtonogestrel, Ethinyl EstradiolNuvaRing
How Etonogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Etonogestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol interactionFish Oil TriglyceridesOmegaven
How Fish Oil Triglycerides interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAluminum Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Read the full Vitamin C + Fish Oil Triglycerides interactionFluphenazineFluphenazine, Permitil, Prolixin
How Fluphenazine interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CFluphenazine (prolixin) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
Read the full Vitamin C + Fluphenazine interactionIdarubicinIdamycin
How Idarubicin interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAntitumor Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Read the full Vitamin C + Idarubicin interactionIfosfamideIfex
How Ifosfamide interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Ifosfamide interactionIndinavirCrixivan
How Indinavir interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CIndinavir (crixivan) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
Read the full Vitamin C + Indinavir interactionLevonorgestrel, Ethinyl EstradiolLogynon ED, Microgynon 30, Nordette, Ovranette, Quartette, Trinordiol +1 more
How Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Levonorgestrel, Ethinyl Estradiol interactionLevothyroxineEltroxin, Estre, Euthyrox, Levo-T, Levolet, Levothroid +5 more
How Levothyroxine interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CLevothyroxine (synthroid, Others) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Read the full Vitamin C + Levothyroxine interactionLevothyroxine SodiumErmez, Thyquidity, Tirosint-Sol
How Levothyroxine Sodium interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CLevothyroxine (synthroid, Others) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Read the full Vitamin C + Levothyroxine Sodium interactionLevothyroxine, LiothyronineArmour Thyroid
How Levothyroxine, Liothyronine interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CLevothyroxine (synthroid, Others) Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Read the full Vitamin C + Levothyroxine, Liothyronine interactionLomustineCeenu
How Lomustine interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Lomustine interactionLurbinectedinZepzelca
How Lurbinectedin interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Lurbinectedin interactionMechlorethamine HydrochlorideValchlor
How Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Mechlorethamine Hydrochloride interactionMedroxyprogesterone Acetate, Oestrogens, ConjugatedPremique
How Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Oestrogens, Conjugated interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Medroxyprogesterone Acetate, Oestrogens, Conjugated interactionMelphalanAlkeran, Hepzato
How Melphalan interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Melphalan interactionMelphalan FlufenamidePepaxto
How Melphalan Flufenamide interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Melphalan Flufenamide interactionMelphalan HydrochlorideEvomela
How Melphalan Hydrochloride interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Melphalan Hydrochloride interactionMitomycinJelmyto, Mitosol, Mutamycin
How Mitomycin interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAntitumor Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Read the full Vitamin C + Mitomycin interactionMitomycin CMitozytrex
How Mitomycin C interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAntitumor Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Read the full Vitamin C + Mitomycin C interactionMitoxantroneNovantrone
How Mitoxantrone interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAntitumor Antibiotics Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
Read the full Vitamin C + Mitoxantrone interactionNorelgestromin, Ethinyl EstradiolEvra, Ortho Evra
How Norelgestromin, Ethinyl Estradiol interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Norelgestromin, Ethinyl Estradiol interactionNorethindrone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ferrous FumarateLoMinastrin FE, Minastrin 24 FE
How Norethindrone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ferrous Fumarate interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Norethindrone Acetate, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ferrous Fumarate interactionOestrogenOestrogen
How Oestrogen interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Oestrogen interactionOxaliplatinEloxatin
How Oxaliplatin interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CAlkylating Agents Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
Read the full Vitamin C + Oxaliplatin interactionPrasterone (prescription Drug)Intrarosa
How Prasterone (prescription Drug) interacts with Collagen Forte — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Vitamin CEstrogens Moderate
Interaction Summary
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Read the full Vitamin C + Prasterone (prescription Drug) interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in Collagen Forte with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Vitamin C
Alkylating Agents
Theoretically, antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of alkylating agents.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals, such as cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, carmustine, busulfan, and thiotepa. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Aluminum
Vitamin C can increase the amount of aluminum absorbed from aluminum compounds.
Research in animals and humans shows that vitamin C increases aluminum absorption, theoretically by chelating aluminum and keeping it in solution where it is available for absorption. In people with normal renal function, urinary excretion of aluminum will likely increase, making aluminum retention and toxicity unlikely. Patients with renal failure who take aluminum-containing compounds such as phosphate binders should avoid vitamin C supplements in doses above the recommended dietary allowances.
Antitumor Antibiotics
Theoretically, the antioxidant effects of vitamin C might reduce the effectiveness of antitumor antibiotics.
The use of antioxidants like vitamin C during chemotherapy is controversial. There is concern that antioxidants could reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs which generate free radicals, such as doxorubicin. In contrast, some researchers theorize that antioxidants might make chemotherapy more effective by reducing oxidative stress that could interfere with apoptosis (cell death) of cancer cells. More evidence is needed to determine what effects, if any, antioxidants such as vitamin C have on chemotherapy.
Estrogens
Vitamin C might increase blood levels of estrogens.
Increases in plasma estrogen levels of up to 55% occur under some circumstances when vitamin C is taken concurrently with oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, including topical products. It is suggested that vitamin C prevents oxidation of estrogen in the tissues, regenerates oxidized estrogen, and reduces sulfate conjugation of estrogen in the gut wall. When tissue levels of vitamin C are high, these processes are already maximized and supplemental vitamin C does not have any effect on estrogen levels. Increases in plasma estrogen levels may occur when patients who are deficient in vitamin C take supplements. Monitor these patients for estrogen-related side effects.
Fluphenazine (Prolixin)
Theoretically, vitamin C might decrease levels of fluphenazine.
In one patient there was a clinically significant decrease in fluphenazine levels when vitamin C (500 mg twice daily) was started. The mechanism is not known, and there is no further data to confirm this interaction.
Indinavir (Crixivan)
Vitamin C can modestly reduce indinavir levels.
One pharmacokinetic study shows that taking vitamin C 1 gram orally once daily along with indinavir 800 mg orally three times daily reduces the area under the concentration-time curve of indinavir by 14%. The mechanism of this interaction is unknown, but it is unlikely to be clinically significant in most patients. The effect of higher doses of vitamin C on indinavir levels is unknown.
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)
Vitamin C can increase levothyroxine absorption.
Two clinical studies in adults with poorly controlled hypothyroidism show that swallowing levothyroxine with a glass of water containing vitamin C 500-1000 mg in solution reduces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and increases thyroxine (T4) levels when compared with taking levothyroxine alone. This suggests that vitamin C increases the oral absorption of levothyroxine, possibly due to a reduction in pH.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
High-dose vitamin C might reduce the levels and effectiveness of warfarin.
Vitamin C in high doses may cause diarrhea and possibly reduce warfarin absorption. There are reports of two people who took up to 16 grams daily of vitamin C and had a reduction in prothrombin time. Lower doses of 5-10 grams daily can also reduce warfarin absorption. In many cases, this does not seem to be clinically significant. However, a case of warfarin resistance has been reported for a patient who took vitamin C 500 mg twice daily. Cessation of vitamin C supplementation resulted in a rapid increase in international normalized ratio (INR). Tell patients taking warfarin to avoid taking vitamin C in excessively high doses (greater than 10 grams daily). Lower doses may be safe, but the anticoagulation activity of warfarin should be monitored. Patients who are stabilized on warfarin while taking vitamin C should avoid adjusting vitamin C dosage to prevent the possibility of warfarin resistance.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)
High-dose vitamin C might slightly prolong the clearance of acetaminophen.
A small pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers shows that taking high-dose vitamin C (3 grams) 1.5 hours after taking acetaminophen 1 gram slightly increases the apparent half-life of acetaminophen from around 2.3 hours to 3.1 hours. Ascorbic acid competitively inhibits sulfate conjugation of acetaminophen. However, to compensate, elimination of acetaminophen glucuronide and unconjugated acetaminophen increases. This effect is not likely to be clinically significant.
Aspirin
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase aspirin levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction is not clinically significant.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase choline magnesium trisalicylate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams daily of vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
Niacin
Vitamin C might decrease the beneficial effects of niacin on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.
A combination of niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) effectively raises HDL cholesterol levels in patients with coronary disease and low HDL levels. Clinical research shows that taking a combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium) along with niacin and simvastatin (Zocor) attenuates this rise in HDL, specifically the HDL-2 and apolipoprotein A1 fractions, by more than 50% in patients with coronary disease. It is not known whether this adverse effect is due to a single antioxidant such as vitamin C, or to the combination. It also is not known whether it will occur in other patient populations.
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Acidification of the urine by vitamin C might increase salsalate levels.
It has been suggested that acidification of the urine by vitamin C could increase reabsorption of salicylates by the renal tubules, and increase plasma salicylate levels. However, short-term use of up to 6 grams/day vitamin C does not seem to affect urinary pH or salicylate excretion, suggesting this interaction probably is not clinically significant.
L-Threonine
Nmda Antagonists
Theoretically, threonine might decrease the effects of NMDA antagonists.
Threonine increases central nervous system (CNS) glycine levels. Glycine seems to bind a site on NMDA receptors and enhance the activity of the receptors.
L-Lysine Hydrochloride
5-Ht4 Agonists
Theoretically, lysine may reduce the effects of 5-HT4 agonists.
Animal research suggests that L-lysine is a partial serotonin receptor 4 (5-HT4) antagonist and inhibits diarrhea induced by the 5-HT4 agonist, 5-hydroxytryptophane.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for Collagen Forte, from the product label.
Douglas Laboratories
See all Douglas Laboratories products- Name
- Douglas Laboratories
- Street Address
- 600 Boyce Road
- City
- Pittsburgh
- State
- PA
- ZipCode
- 15205
- Phone Number
- 1.800.245.4440
- Web Address
- www.douglaslabs.com
Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions
Does Collagen Forte by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
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Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if Collagen Forte is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.
The Full Monographs Behind Collagen Forte’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Lysine
Interacts with 1 drugLysine is an essential amino acid your body cannot make on its own, so it must come from food or supplements. People most often take extra lysine to try to prevent or shorten cold sores, but...
Read the full Lysine monograph → Herb & supplement monographProline
Proline is a non-essential amino acid that your body can make on its own and that you also get from protein-rich foods. It is a key building block of collagen, but strong human evidence that...
Read the full Proline monograph → Herb & supplement monographVitamin C
Interacts with 207 drugsVitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. It's important for immune function, collagen, and acts as an...
Read the full Vitamin C monograph → Herb & supplement monographThreonine
Interacts with 3 drugsThreonine is an essential amino acid your body needs but cannot make, so you must get it from food or supplements. Most people get plenty from a normal diet, and high-quality evidence for ta...
Read the full Threonine monograph →Sources & How We Checked
Collagen Forte's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.
The 66 references behind this product’s interaction data
Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
Lysine 7 references
- Thein DJ, Hurt WC. Lysine as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1984;58:659-66. PubMed
- McCune MA, Perry HO, Muller SA, O'Fallon WM. Treatment of recurrent herpes simplex infections with L-lysine monohydrochloride. Cutis 1984;34:366-73.
- DiGiovanna JJ, Blank H. Failure of lysine in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Arch Dermatol 1984;120:48-51. DOI
- Milman N, Scheibel J, Jessen O. Lysine prophylaxis in recurrent herpes simplex labialis: a double-blind, controlled crossover study. Acta Derm Venereol 1980;60:85-7.
- Griffith RS, Walsh DE, Myrmel KH, et al. Success of L-lysine therapy in frequently recurrent herpes simplex infection. Treatment and prophylaxis. Dermatologica 1987;175:183-90. DOI
- Lo JC, Chertow GM, Rennke H, Seifter JL. Fanconi's syndrome and tubulointerstitial nephritis in association with L-lysine ingestion. Am J Kidney Dis 1996;28:614-7. PubMed
- Smriga M, Torii K. L-Lysine acts like a partial serotonin receptor 4 antagonist and inhibits serotonin-mediated intestinal pathologies and anxiety in rats. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Dec 23;100(26):15370-5.
Proline 4 references
- Jennings A, MacGregor A, Spector T, Cassidy A. Amino acid intakes are associated with bone mineral density and prevalence of low bone mass in women: Evidence from discordant monozygotic twins. J Bone Miner Res. 2016;31(2):326-35. PubMed
- Gracia-Marco L, Bel-Serrat S, Cuenca-Garcia M, et al. Amino acids intake and physical fitness among adolescents. Amino Acids. 2017;49(6):1041-1052. PubMed
- Jamdar J, Rao B, Netke S, et al. Reduction in tibial shaft fracture healing time with essential nutrient supplementation containing ascorbic acid, lysine, and proline. J Altern Complement Med. 2004;10(6):915-6.
- Mehl AA, Damião AO, Viana SD, Andretta CP. Hard-to-heal wounds: a randomised trial of an oral proline-containing supplement to aid repair. J Wound Care 2021;30(1):26-31. PubMed
Vitamin C 51 references
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
- Back DJ, Breckenridge AM, MacIver M, et al. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;282:1516.
- Morris JC, Beeley L, Ballantine N. Interaction of ethinyloestradiol with ascorbic acid in man [letter]. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 1981;283:503.
- Labriola D, Livingston R. Possible interactions between dietary antioxidants and chemotherapy. Oncology 1999;13:1003-8.
- Dwyer JH, Merz NB, Shirocre AM, et al. Progression of early atherosclerosis and intake of vitamin C and vitamin E from supplements and food. The Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study. 41st Annual Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevent
- Levine M, Rumsey SC, Daruwala R, et al. Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake. JAMA 1999;281:1415-23. PubMed
- Hansten PD, Horn JR. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Vancouver, WA: Applied Therapeutics Inc., 1997 and updates.
- Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
- Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, and Carotenoids. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2000. Available at: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309069351/html/.
- Houston JB, Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci 1976;65:1218-21. PubMed
- Brown BG, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Simvastatin and niacin, antioxidant vitamins, or the combination for the prevention of coronary disease. N Engl J Med 2001;345:1583-93. DOI
- Rosenthal G. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1971;215:1671. DOI
- Hume R, Johnstone JM, Weyers E. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;219:1479. DOI
- Smith EC, Skalski RJ, Johnson GC, Rossi GV. Interaction of ascorbic acid and warfarin. JAMA 1972;221:1166. DOI
- Traxer O, Huet B, Poindexter J, et al. Effect of ascorbic acid consumption on urinary stone risk factors. J Urol 2003;170:397-401.. PubMed
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Richart C. Effect of ascorbic acid on gastrointestinal aluminum absorption (letter). Lancet 1991;338:1467.
- Domingo JL, Gomez M, Llobet JM, Corbella J. Influence of some dietary constituents on aluminum absorption and retention in rats. Kidney Int 1991;39:598-601. PubMed
- Partridge NA, Regnier FE, White JL, Hem SL. Influence of dietary constituents on intestinal absorption of aluminum. Kidney Int 1989;35:1413-7. PubMed
- Mc Leod DC, Nahata MC. Inefficacy of ascorbic acid as a urinary acidifier (letter). N Engl J Med 1977;296:1413. DOI
- Hansten PD, Hayton WL. Effect of antacid and ascorbic acid on serum salicylate concentration. J Clin Pharmacol 1980;20:326-31. PubMed
- Dysken MW, Cumming RJ, Channon RA, Davis JM. Drug interaction between ascorbic acid and fluphenazine. JAMA 1979;241:2008. DOI
- Vihtamaki T, Parantainen J, Koivisto AM, et al. Oral ascorbic acid increases plasma oestradiol during postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy. Maturitas 2002;42:129-35. PubMed
- Slain D, Amsden JR, Khakoo RA, et al. Effect of high-dose vitamin C on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the protease inhibitor indinavir in healthy volunteers. Pharmacotherapy 2005;25:165-70. PubMed
- Cheung MC, Zhao XQ, Chait A, et al. Antioxidant supplements block the response of HDL to simvastatin-niacin therapy in patients with coronary artery disease and low HDL. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2001;21:1320-6. PubMed
- Feetam CL, Leach RH, Meynell MJ. Lack of a clinically important interaction between warfarin and ascorbic acid. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1975;31:544-7. PubMed
- Weintraub M, Griner PF. Warfarin and ascorbic acid: lack of evidence for a drug interaction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 1974;28:53-6. PubMed
- Lee DH, Folsom AR, Harnack L, et al. Does supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in women with diabetes? Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:1194-200. PubMed
- Taylor EN, Stampfer MJ, Curhan GC. Dietary factors and the risk of incident kidney stones in men: new insights after 14 years of follow-up. J Am Soc Nephrol 2004;15:3225-32. PubMed
- Ward NC, Hodgson JM, Croft KD, et al. The combination of vitamin C and grape-seed polyphenols increases blood pressure: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Hypertens 2005;23:427-34.. PubMed
- Prasad KN. Rationale for using high-dose multiple dietary antioxidants as an adjunct to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. J Nutr 2004;134:3182S-3S. PubMed
- Conklin KA. Cancer chemotherapy and antioxidants. J Nutr 2004;134:3201S-3204S. PubMed
- Fairweather-Tait S, Hickson K, McGaw B, et al. Orange juice enhances aluminium absorption from antacid preparation. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1994;48(1):71-3.
- Gruenwald, J., Graubaum, H. J., Busch, R., and Bentley, C. Safety and tolerance of ester-C compared with regular ascorbic acid. Adv.Ther. 2006;23(1):171-178.
- Rahimi, R., Nikfar, S., Rezaie, A., and Abdollahi, M. A meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of combined vitamin C and E supplementation in preeclamptic women. Hypertens.Pregnancy. 2009;28(4):417-434. PubMed
- Einerson, B., Nathorn, C., Kitiyakara, C., Sirada, M., and Thamlikitkul, V. The efficacy of ascorbic acid in suboptimal responsive anemic hemodialysis patients receiving erythropoietin: a meta-analysis. J Med.Assoc.Thai. 2011;94 Suppl 1:S134-S146.
- Li, G., Li, L., Yu, C., and Chen, L. Effect of vitamins C and E supplementation on Helicobacter pylori eradication: a meta-analysis. Br.J Nutr 2011;106(11):1632-1637.
- Chen X, Shen L, Gu X, et al. High-dose supplementation with vitamin C--induced pediatric urolithiasis: the first case report in a child and literature review. Urology. 2014;84(4):922-4. PubMed
- Sattar A, Willman JE, Kolluri R. Possible warfarin resistance due to interaction with ascorbic acid: case report and literature review. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2013;70(9):782-6. PubMed
- Yaich S, Chaabouni Y, Charfeddine K, et al. Secondary oxalosis due to excess vitamin C intake: a cause of graft loss in a renal transplant recipient. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2014;25(1):113-6. PubMed
- Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. PubMed
- Rumbold A, Ota E, Nagata C, Shahrook S, Crowther CA. Vitamin C supplementation in pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(9):CD004072. PubMed
- Seo MS, Kim JK, Shim JY. High-dose vitamin C promotes regression of multiple pulmonary metastases originating from hepatocellular carcinoma. Yonsei Med J. 2015;56(5):1449-52. PubMed
- Skelin M, Lucijanic T, Amidzic Klaric D, et al. Factors Affecting Gastrointestinal Absorption of Levothyroxine: A Review. Clin Ther. 2017 Feb;39(2):378-403. PubMed
- Jiang K, Tang K, Liu H, Xu H, Ye Z, Chen Z. Ascorbic acid supplements and kidney stones incidence among men and women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Urol J. 2019;16(2):115-120.
- Thomas S, Patel D, Bittel B, et al. Effect of High-Dose Zinc and Ascorbic Acid Supplementation vs Usual Care on Symptom Length and Reduction Among Ambulatory Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: The COVID A to Z Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2 PubMed
- Giffen MA, McLemore JL. Hyperoxalosis Secondary to Intravenous Vitamin C Administration as a Non-Allopathic Treatment for Cancer. Acad Forensic Pathol 2019;9(1-2):118-126. PubMed
- Maike A, Sturgill D, Gallan A. Oxalate Nephropathy in a Renal Transplant Recipient After Receiving High Dose Ascorbic Acid. Am J Med Sci 2021. PubMed
- Shen ZY, Chen YR, Wang MC, Chang SS. High-dose vitamin C-induced acute oxalate nephropathy in a renal transplant recipient: a case report and literature review. Asian J Surg 2022. PubMed
- Yanase F, Spano S, Maeda A, et al. Mega-dose sodium ascorbate: a pilot, single-dose, physiological effect, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Crit Care 2023;27(1):371. PubMed
- Sharma Y, Sumanadasa S, Shahi R, et al. Efficacy and safety of vitamin C supplementation in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. Sci Rep 2024;14(1):11846. PubMed
- Pejcic AV, Petrovic NZ, Djordjic MD, Milosavljevic MN. Vitamin C Levels in Pregnant Women and the Efficacy of Vitamin C Supplements in Preventing Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Balkan Med J 2024;41(4):248-260. PubMed
Threonine 4 references
- Tandan R, Bromberg MB, Forshew D, et al. A controlled trial of amino acid therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: I. Clinical, functional, and maximum isometric torque data. Neurology 1996;47:1220-6. PubMed
- Lee A, Patterson V. A double blind study of L-threonine in patients with spinal spasticity. Acta Neurol Scand 1993;88:334-8. PubMed
- Blin O, Pouget J, Aubrespy G, et al. A double-blind placebo controlled trial of L-threonine in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 1992;239:79-81.
- Roufs JB. L-threonine as a symptomatic treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Med Hypotheses 1991;34:20-3. PubMed
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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